Error setting Autoscaler Runners up - Cannot use client_credentials with a consumer marked as "public"

Platform Notice: Cloud Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the cloud platform.

Summary

When performing the initial configuration of Runners Autoscaler, it is possible that you will encounter the following error message:

1 Cannot use client_credentials with a consumer marked as "public"

Environment

Bitbucket Pipelines Self-hosted Runners using Runner Autoscaler tool.

Cause

This error message occurs when the Runners Autoscaler is unable to initiate due to the OAuth consumer being established as a public consumer.

In the context of utilizing OAuth for authentication, it is essential to configure the OAuth consumer as a private consumer for the Runners Autoscaler tool to function correctly.

Prerequisites

Authorization

Using oAuth on Bitbucket Cloud

If the consumer is not designated as private, the initial configuration of the Autoscaler will encounter a failure, resulting in the error outlined on this page.

Solution

To address this issue, it is advisable to modify the OAuth consumer settings to designate it as private. The following steps outline the procedure:

  1. As an administrator, access your workspace in Bitbucket Cloud by clicking on the cog icon and selecting "Workspace settings."

  2. In the settings menu, navigate to the section labeled OAuth Consumers.

  3. Locate the OAuth consumer currently utilized by the Runners Autoscaler, and select "..." followed by Edit.

  4. A new screen will appear. Scroll down to find and check the box labeled "This is a private consumer."

  5. After making this adjustment, click on Save.

  6. Finally, re-test the configuration of the Runner Autoscaler to ensure proper functionality.

Updated on April 11, 2025

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